Hello again, guys. I've been thinking of writing something like this for a while. A story based around Hana. I don't feel as though she gets enough love in the the Fates series of Fire Emblem games. As the title suggests, this is set before the events of A Night with Corrin.

If you enjoy it then I'll be sure to try and get it done before the main story is finished. It goes without saying that you should read the events of A Night with Corrin before you read this, or you won't get what's going on.

Anyway, let's begin, shall we?

A Night with Hana

You are a soldier. And your goal is a simple one. You won't rest until you've bring down as many of those damnable Nohrians as possible. They've taken far too much already; cut too many dreams short, and ruined innumerable lives. War rages, and though you're but a single person, you'll do all you can to stop the vile King in order to do that, you need to keep your skills on top form. Combat keeps you sharp; it oftentimes drives back the loneliness of never allowing most people too near, as well.

The girl before you draws her blade. You watch with caution as she flips back her long brown hair and prepares to lunge. She's a fireball in some aspects. Always the first to step foot on any battlefield - and usually one of the last to retreat in the face of danger. A respectable trait. And you derive enjoyment out of spending time with her - if nobody else.

"I'm coming to get you, Keiji," she warns with a tomboyish shout. "Better not let your guard down."

"Come forth, Hana," you reply, invigorated by welcome flames of adrenaline. "Let us see how your defensive game fares today."

Hana. One of Hoshido's finest swordswomen - a close friend to Princess Sakura. They say she's related to the royal family by blood; albeit distantly. There's seldom a day where she's not scrapping with somebody, more a lad than a lass in a great many of her mannerisms. But that's just fine with you. Those olden day scholars who said women made poor warriors in the place of men, were fools.

The wind whips against your face. Trees wave wildly in the evening breeze. With one foot ahead of the other, you remain steady. Always prepared. Always ready. You Inhale, and Exhale. Your focus winds tight like a mechanist's spring.

You're all set to engage - A tiger ready to strike. In times of war you get a single instant. The difference between life and death can be a heartbeat; a flinch, or even a whisper. And that is exactly why you spend most of your days like this.

"Alright then!" Hana charges, her sword raised high. "Let's see you block this."

Your concentration snaps to the situation at hand. Standing firm, you take up a guarding stance, using the fuller of your blade to absorb the brunt of Hana's strike. You send her skidding back with a light shove. A few beads of sweat slide down her forehead. She pants for breath; smiling at you when she's regained her footing somewhat.

"No way," Hana grumbles, her eyes narrow with intensity. She sheathes her katana and huffs in frustration. "I thought I'd stagger you for sure that time. How in the heck do you stand there like a rock, Keiji? You're waaaay too dedicated for an everyday soldier."

You likewise sheathe your sword. Exhaling deeply, you run a hand through your wild black hair and move beside your (significantly shorter) sparring partner. The pair of you walk side by side down the pathway leading back to the Hoshidan camp. A faint orange glow tints the sky - the glory of the setting sun. It's hard to believe you've been training almost all day.

"Back in my hometown I had a truly masterful combat instructor, Hana. The first thing he taught me before I picked up a sword was the importance of balance. The old man spent weeks walking me over planks of wood. And having me hop across the rocks at the lake beside my house."

Hana sighs. "I don't think I'll ever understand you," she admits, kicking a stone as she walks. "All the other swordsman do their training drills. But you?" She pauses, flashing you a nervous sideways glance. "You're out here Every morning. Every night. You train, train, and train again - Even when we're given leave by Lord Ryoma. Why do you never take breaks from the hard work?"

There are nights where you warm the bed of lonely shrine maidens, or visit nearby taverns and chat your way into the arms of an inkeep's daughter. Simple pleasures without much in the way of attachment help you get by. But you'd likely lose Hana's friendship if you told her as such.

"Maybe I should ask you the same question?"

Lady Sakura's retainer blinks in confusion and thumps your arm. "Hey! You can't do that! Didn't your mother tell you that turning a question on a lady is mighty rude? Huh?!"

A lady? You stifle a snigger at Hana's answer. Most ladies (especially the sheltered noble sorts) attend lavish parties in kimono dresses where they play the lute, sip sake; and admire courting prospects. Their lives are so detached from the world, and the knife's edge conflict with Nohr. Most of them don't even realize what's at stake.

"Forgive me," you reply with a rising smirk. Hana catches on, and she wastes no time punching you again. "Though may I ask why you're so intent on thumping me this evening?"

"Because you're as bad as Subaki!" Hana barks, her hand balled into a fist. "Always teasing me! I see why he likes you."

Ah yes, Sir Subaki. Lady Sakura's other retainer. The two of you get along very well - despite the difference in rank. "Sir Subaki and I have an understanding... We're brothers, in a sense. The ties of rice wine bind us. Isn't that proof enough that I relax in my spare time?"

"I don't I believe you," replies Hana. "I'll bet that once we part ways you'll go right back to sword practice again..."

You hide your surprise at the swordswoman's rather apt judgement. But she sees through you instantly. She smiles widely, basking in her victory with a tiny cheer. "See? I knew it! You don't know how to step away from duty and enjoy yourself."

"And neither do you, Hana."

When backed into a corner you always fight, be it a heated discussion, or an intense frontline skirmish. One important life lesson that father taught you before his passing? A warrior never backs down. Regardless of the odds. You, Keiji of Izami, always hold the line.

"And what does that mean?" Hana holds her hands against her hips like a moody adolescent. "I do too know how to relax!"

"You're exactly the same as me," you retort, "Every time I see you! It's either an errand for Lady Sakura, or you're having one-man training sessions while the rest of us sleep."

"T-That's true..." Hana's voice cracks. Her eyes become cloudy. And she frowns sadly. It's as though she's a different person. "Huh... never looked at it that way. Maybe that's- Well... I think that's why I like sparring with you, Keiji."

Hana grabs your hands. The sudden contact makes you flinch. She holds on tighter, knotting your fingers with hers. "Is it wrong for a girl to act boyishly?" She asks. Her deep brown eyes quiver; two deep pools of overflowing sentiment. "Well... what do you think? You're not a bad guy, so tell me!"

"I see no problem," you reply. "A person should be judged through their skills. Not their manners. Why? Has someone said something to you? 'Tis not like you to be so beside yourself, Hana."

"Well... sort of. It's my grandmother, you see. In my last letter from home she said I should get married instead of wasting my time being a Samurai. She thinks I can support Lady Sakura in ways that don't involve fighting... but that's- It's not what I want."

Your eyes shoot wide at the news. You never imagined that the lady Samurai faced so much pressure, especially from home. For her grandmother to say such things to her is... terrible. A grandparent is supposed to be wide and supportive - The one person a child can count on to protect them from the world's darkest dangers.

You bite your tongue, intent on keeping your deeper feelings on the matter where they belong; private.

"It isn't my place to speak about another's family. Though I never thought for a second you were the sort to seek out marriage."

Hana gasps. Her cheeks redden, and her hold upon your hands becomes a squeeze.

"I-I'm not interested in getting married yet, no. B-But... I wouldn't mind a lover. A guy that's tough enough to best me in battle. It doesn't have to be something long-lasting but-" You're caught off balance when Hana pulls away. "I-I've said too much. Just ignore me, okay?" The lass pulls out her sword in an intense burst of rage. "I mean it, Keiji! You better forget this whole talk of ours!"

And yet... all you can do is laugh. You double over, damn-near howling.

"What's so funny?!" Hana snarls. "I swear if you don't stop... I'll whack you again!"

Recent days in camp have felt too similar. As time drags on you've become well-acquainted with an empty feeling in the pit of your stomach. You've wanted more than anything to figure out the cause. It's eaten away at you - but Hana's wonderful revelation fills you to bursting with warmth.

"I said quit laughing!" Hana tosses her weapon into the dirt and hurls herself at you. You're knocked against the grassy underfoot, still very much ablaze with laughter. Your friend's shaking fist looms. Her cheeks flush so intensely pink. She's practically glowing, "I mean it-"

You silence Hana with a finger against the lips, finally, biting back your amusement - your sides are sore. "Out of all the girls I've met since joining the army, I don't think there's anyone quirky like you. It's funny..."

Hana bats your finger away from her mouth. "What's that supposed to mean, Keiji? A-And who said you could touch me?"

"You're a fine warrior, Hana - better than me. I think we're even more alike than I realized."

Growing up was a battle, all things considered. Giving your heart to another felt like an impossible task, especially after father's passing. He made you a promise; he swore he'd return home to you and mother, but the Nohrians made sure he would never come back. You feel water welling in your eyes, and your lips fall into a frown.

"K-Keiji..." Hana cools at the sight of you. "Was I too rough? Did I hurt you?"

"No... But I think I understand my place in life even more, after today." You dry your eyes and rest your hands upon Sakura's petite shoulders. She shivers under your touch, but doesn't stop you. "We want to fight, because it gives us a sense of purpose. And we want somebody to make us feel alive... but we don't want to hand over our hearts."

"Y-You may be right," Hana admits, "L-Love makes me fearful. I don't want to love someone and lose them. T-That and... I'm not pretty. When I was younger the other girls laughed at me; at my body. Because I'm short- And because my- my-" She brings her hands to rest against her chest, exhaling disgustedly, "My breasts - They're... not very big."

Wriggling free of Hana's hold, you get comfy beneath the canopy of a cherry blossom tree. Hana is quick to join you, sitting at your side. She's silent, distant; dejected. "I shouldn't have told you so much," she groans, "Stupid of me. Really stupid. What man wants to hear about my troubles?"

Being raised by your mother from a young age granted you a fair understanding of hardship, especially with her being a shrine maiden. "It's quite alright. I'm happy to listen. Though it's surprising how others confide in me."

"I don't think so," Hana chuckles, "It's easy to talk to you. And you're darn good in a fight as well. You didn't hear this from me, but there's a rumour that Lord Ryoma's taken an interest in you."

Your feel a twinge in your gut. "Oh? Really? I hope I've done nothing to anger him. His lordship has my utmost respect. He leads the way like a true beacon, especially since Queen Mikoto is no longer with us."

"Don't stress yourself," Hana says softly, grabbing your hand anew. Until tonight the two of you weren't privy to such closeness, but it's far from unwanted. In her own way, this slender swordswoman is pleasing to admire. You can't imagine why other women picked on her for the shape of her body. "They say that the lord has a special task for you."

A task? You can scarcely imagine what he'd have you do at a time like this. With the Nohrian conflict now a full-scale war, it could be anything. But no matter the request, you'll do your duty. For Hoshido.

"I-I really must be off," stammers Hana, giving your quick hug. She turns your head to face her. The way she's staring at you, with such depth; almost makes your heart skip a beat. Until tonight, she was just Hana - Lady Sakura's second, or third, if you spoke to Subaki. She's your training partner, a comrade - nothing more.

And now? Her onyx eyes have a mysterious shine to them. Her lips look fuller; more inviting. And by the light dragon, you'd be a happy man of you could run your fingers long those wide hips of hers.

"I'll be here tomorrow, Keiji. Don't be late," Hana touches her nose against yours, edging closer and closer until your lips collide, joining the two of you as one. Gods - her salty sweet taste makes your blood hot. You close your eyes and kiss her back. It becomes a battle, much like your sparring matches, a tussle the likes of which neither of you want to lose.

Hana whines with passion, grabbing for the undershirt beneath your Samurai's coat. She yanks you into her arms, taking the offensive - your lips smack together loudly; the sound resonates against the stillness of the sunset. Adrenaline courses through your veins, bringing your manly desires to the frontline in full force.

However, Hana backs off before things progress any further. She eases up, sucks in a mighty breath, and exhales sharply.

"See you soon," she winks. "I need to visit the bathhouse before bed."

The girl slips free from your embrace and rises to her feet, brushing the dried mud from her knees. Leaving you stunned, speechless, and wanting even more, she rushes off down the pathway. By the time you get up and give chase, she's already well out of sight.

Your entire night is coloured by lustful thoughts. Placing kisses against the nape of Hana's neck, and trailing ever so slowly downward; stopping and nipping at her collarbone with your teeth. Her vigor and intensity make your inner beast rage. Deep-rooted intuition tells you that a night beside her in the futon would be very powerful indeed.

It isn't until you return to your tent for the night that the rather intimate thoughts subside - but not for long.

Atop the chest at the foot of your bed, rests a piece of parchment paper. You pick up the item and give it a quick glance, nary more than skimming the words. Its contents demand a second, deeper ready. Once again, your heart races. Those somewhat adult thoughts are returning all over again.

'Keiji... meet me at our usual practice spot tomorrow at sundown. Don't be late. I'll be waiting for you as soon as I've finished my scouting duties with Lady Sakura. Come alone... because we're going to have a real fight. And if I win... I'd like to share dinner with you. And don't go getting cocky! I won't lose. Hana.'

"A woman I can respect," you reflect. Folding Hana's letter, you carefully place it in your chest of belongings. It's definitely earned itself a spot beside the letters you get from home. Though your mother certainly wouldn't approve if she read it for herself.

The night passes quicker than the day. Stars dust the skies in a showing of glittery wonderment, and you take great enjoyment in watching them from the opening to your tent. "Tomorrow. I have to prepare," you smirk. "It's unlikely she'll give in."

Not that you'd have it any other way. Battle is one thing. But to do battle with a girl as beautiful as Miss Hana?

It feels as though (at least this once) the powers of fate are looking down at you fondly.

To be continued...

Thanks for reading. Did you enjoy this chapter? Would you like to see more in future? Feel free to leave some feedback and share your thoughts. As always, keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next chapter!